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Clinical Research Week at the H.U.B, from 19 to 23 May 2025
In the course of the week, more than 20 researchers are scheduled to present their work and answer questions.  The seminars will be held at the Children’s Hospital on the Laeken campus, and at the Jules Bordet Institute and Erasme Hospital on the Anderlecht campus. At some seminars the scientist and illustrator Adeline Deward will be making illustrations live. Sandwiches will be served at each session. Stands will also be erected in the entrance halls of the three H.U.B hospitals (Jules Bordet Institute, Erasme Hospital and Children’s Hospital) to enable visitors to the hospitals to meet researchers and obtain information.   Do you want to know more? You will find the full programme by clicking here.  Would you like to participate? Register now by completing this form. If you have any questions please send us an email to communication [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (communication[at]hubruxelles[dot]be).  
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Immunodeficiencies
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Clinique D'Immunodéficiences Et Soins Continus - Erasme
Health issues
Colorectal cancer
What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it can be prevented or detected at an early stage through regular screening and endoscopic removal of polyps. These procedures help prevent progression to invasive cancer. If you are concerned about screening or an endoscopic procedure, our department specializes in personalized care. A medical prescription may be required before making an appointment. How is colorectal cancer managed? Our department offers cutting-edge expertise in the screening and endoscopic treatment of colorectal polyps and cancers. We perform diagnostic colonoscopies and advanced endoscopic resections, including polypectomy, mucosectomy, ESD (endoscopic submucosal dissection), and full-thickness resection (FTRD). Our multidisciplinary teams include gastroenterologists, digestive surgeons, and oncologists, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.We also specialize in the follow-up of high-risk patients (family or personal history) and in supporting treatments after diagnosis. Our modern equipment guarantees precise and safe procedures, minimizing complications and promoting rapid recovery.Regular screening is recommended from the age of 50, or earlier in case of family history. Consult a physician in case of rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. In case of acute symptoms (severe pain or obstruction), urgent care is required. Discover the Digestive Oncology Department of H.U.B Colorectal cancer: which scientific and medical innovations at H.U.B? Our department has implemented quality monitoring of our examinations (rate of good bowel preparation, caecal intubation rate, adenoma detection rate). This is published in each report. We participate in research projects on innovative endoscopic techniques, such as ESD, and on optimizing colorectal cancer screening (artificial intelligence). We are also certified for organized screening, guaranteeing high-quality care. Our Contributions to Scientific Research As members of a leading academic hospital, our healthcare professionals conduct scientific research projects to advance medicine and continuously improve the quality of care provided to patients. View the list of our scientific publications
Colorectal cancer
Health issues
Congenital heart disease
What is a congenital heart disease? Congenital heart disease is a malformation of the heart or great vessels that is present from birth. These defects develop during pregnancy. They vary greatly in form, some being slight and passing unnoticed and others requiring medical or surgical treatment from the first days of life.   Today, thanks to medical progress, most children with congenital heart disease grow and mature into adults. As a result, congenital heart disease  has been transformed into a condition that, for some people, requires   lifelong monitoring. Types of congenital heart diseaseMain types of congenital heart diseaseA distinction can be made between different categories of heart defects at birth:1. “Abnormal holes and communications in the heart”These are abnormal openings or communications between the heart chambers that should not be present Atrial septal defect (ASD): a small hole between the two atria (upper chambers).Ventricular septal defect (VSD): hole between the two ventricles (lower chambers).Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) : a more extensive defect that affects the atria, ventricles and valves.  Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) : a small tube that normally connects the heart and lungs during pregnancy fails to close  after birth.Anomalous pulmonary venous connection: the veins that transport oxygenated blood from the lungs are not connected correctly.2. Valve defects and  “shrinkages”The heart valves function as “doors” that regulate the flow of blood. These can have malformations. In the case of a stenosis the blood flows with difficulty because a valve or vein is too narrow.  Ebstein’s anomaly : the tricuspid valve (between the right atrium and ventricle) is displaced or functions badly.Valvular dysplasia: a valve is malformed and does not close properly.Pulmonary stenosis : a narrowing of the output to the lungs.Aortic stenosis: narrowing of the exit to the aorta (the great artery that brings blood to the body).Coarctation of the aorta: a section of the aorta is too narrow.3. Malformations that result in poor oxygenation (cyanosis)As a result of these malformations the blood is insufficiently oxygenated, which can result in bluish lips.Tetralogy of Fallot : a combination of 4 abnormalities that interfere with the circulation.Transposition of the great vessels (TGV or TGA):  the two great arteries are “inverted”, which causes the blood to flow to the wrong place.  Common arterial trunk: rather than having two exits (one for the lungs, one for the body) there is just one artery that exits the heart.Pulmonary atresia : the valve  that allows the blood to flow to the lungs is absent or under-developed.4. Malformations with a single functioning ventricle:Triscupid atresia: the triscupid valve and right ventricle are too small.Hyposplastic left heart syndrome: part of the left side of the heart is too small and does not function properly.Single ventricle: the heart functions with just one main chamber rather than two.Remember:Some heart disease is simple and benign (such as a small hole that closes by itself).  In other cases it is more complex and surgery is needed in the first days of life.Depending on the situation, monitoring may be necessary beyond the paediatric period and into adulthood.  The good news is that thanks to medical progress most children with congenital  heart disease grow up to become adults leading an active life.   What are the symptoms of a congenital heart disease? Symptoms vary depending on type and severity:Shortness of breath, especially when eating or during exercise;Unusual tiredness;Weight gain or growth retardation in children;Bluish tinge to the lips, skin and nails (cyanosis);  Frequent respiratory infections;Palpitations or irregular heart beat.Some malformations remain silent and are only discovered during a medical examination.  Prevalence in BelgiumApproximately 8 in 1,000 births or close to 800 new cases a year.Today more than 90 % of affected children survive into adulthood thanks to medical and surgical progress.It is estimated that  more than  50,000 adults in Belgium are living with congenital heart disease, making it a major public health issue.  How are congenital heart diseases treated? Care at the Brussels University Hospital1. Paediatric medicinePrenatal diagnosis: some abnormalities are detected before birth thanks to foetal ultrasounds.  At birth and during childhood : children are  monitored by specialised paediatric cardiologists.Care can include:Medical treatment to assist the heart or correct an irregular heartbeat;Heart surgery (sometimes in the first days of life) ;Catheter interventions (placing of stents, closure of cardiac communications, dilatations, etc.) ;Development monitoring (growth, diet, schooling, physical activity).PhysiotherapyPsychological and social support2. Transition to adult medical careIn adolescence, a process of transition is put into place.Objectives:To prepare the young person to manage their illness and treatment ;To help them understand their medical history and the importance of long-term monitoring of their condition;To organise the progressive move from paediatric monitoring to an adult team specialised in congenital heart disease.This stage is crucial to avoid any interruption in the  monitoring, which is frequent in adolescence, and to reduce complications in adulthood.  3. Adult medical careAdults with congenital heart disease require regular monitoring with check-ups at specialised centres (often known as   GUCH – Grown-Up Congenital Heart disease clinics). The care includes:Lifelong monitoring: echocardiograms, cardiac MRI, electrocardiograms, regular check-ups;Adapted treatment: medicine, surgery or catheter interventions if necessary;  management of heartbeat conditionsPrevention of complications : heartbeat problems, cardiac insufficiency, pulmonary hypertension, infectious endocarditis;Genetic counselling and assessment of risk of recurrence for future generationsMonitoring and evaluation of complications for pulmonary circulationEveryday life: advice regarding sport, work, travel, contraception and pregnancy;Psychological and social support : support for living with a chronic disease.The H.U.B provides comprehensive care and a full range of treatment drawing on its expertise in heart failure and transplants, evaluating pulmonary circulation, cardiogenetics, rhythmology, interventional cardiology and heart surgery. This range of treatment makes the HUB a Belgian reference centre for congenital heart disease.   Your specialists At the Erasme HospitalProf. Antoine BondueCardiogenetics and adult congenital heart diseaseHead of the H.U.B. Department of CardiologyDr. Marielle MorissensCardiologist Adult Congenital Heart DiseaseProf. Jean-Luc Vachiery Pulmonary circulation and heart failureHead of Clinic Prof. Ana RoussoulièresHeart failure and transplantsDr. Renaud DendievelInterventional CardiologyPrendre rendez-vous Tél.: +32 (0)2 555 39 60 email : Cons [dot] Cardio [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Cardio[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)   À l’HUDERF Prof. Françoise VermeulenIntegrated Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineDr Nicolas Arribard Paediatric cardiologistHead of the Department of Paediatrics Dr Hugues Dessy  Pediatric cardiologistSpecialized in prenatal diagnosisHead of the Pediatric Cardiology Department at HUDERFProf. Pierre WauthyCongenital heart surgery To make an appointmentTel.: +32 (0)2 477 31 79  email : Call2 [dot] Accueil [dot] huderf [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Call2[dot]Accueil[dot]huderf[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)   Discover the HUDERF Department of Paediatric Cardiology FAQ about congenital heart disease 1. Is congenital heart disease always serious? No. It can be benign and require no more than light and sometimes temporary monitoring during childhood. In other cases long-term monitoring is essential and perhaps surgery.  2. Can congenital heart disease be prevented? In most cases not as it often depends on complex factors. There are nevertheless situations in which hereditary plays a major role. Good preparation for the pregnancy and early identification of any hereditary factor reduces certain risks (genetic counselling,  administration of folic acid, regular medical monitoring, no alcohol or smoking). 3. Is congenital heart disease hereditary? Not always but in some cases yes. In the majority of cases congenital heart disease is an isolated case, occurring without any known family history.  It results from a complex combination of factors: environmental during the pregnancy (for example: viral infections such as rubella, the taking of certain medicine, alcohol consumption, poorly managed diabetes); and sometimes genetic factors (chromosomal or gene abnormalities or genetic variants that appear in the child or are inherited from the parents). At present a genetic element is identifiable in around 30% of cases, with a varying implication or severity depending on the situation:  transmission of the responsible genetic traits in the family (several members of the same family affected but often to a variable degree)); genetic syndromes (e.g.: Down’s syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, Noonan syndrome, etc.). 4. If my child is born with congenital heart disease what is the risk that my future children will also be born with heart disease? If a child is born with congenital heart disease the risk of a brother or sister being born with the same condition is higher than for the general population (often between 2% and 6% but it can be higher depending on the type of malformation and family history). This risk justifies genetic counselling depending on the situation and sometimes specific monitoring during subsequent pregnancies (targeted foetal ultrasound or preimplantation ultrasound). 5. If a parent (father or mother) has congenital heart disease is there a risk for the children? Yes, the risk is slightly higher than for the general population. Depending on the type of malformation this is between 2% and 10%. The risk is generally a little higher if it is the mother with congenital heart disease. This risk justifies a foetal heart ultrasound  during the pregnancy for early screening for any malformation. In some cases genetic counselling will be proposed prior to pregnancy. 6. Can children with congenital heart disease live a normal life? In most cases, yes. They will go to school, play, and grow but must follow the medical recommendations and have regular check-ups. In some cases there will be a need for adapted or specialised education.    7. Can congenital heart disease be cured? A congenital heart disease is almost never “completely cured” once and for all. Even after successful surgery, complications or reinterventions can occur in adulthood. This is why a proper transition from pediatric to adult care is essential for continuity of follow-up. 8. Can a woman with congenital heart disease get pregnant? In many cases, yes. But with specialised monitoring. Some situations require increased monitoring and in rare cases a woman may be advised against pregnancy.    Useful links / Resources Belgian Heart League Belgian Society of Cardiology – Belgian working group on adult congenital heart… European Society of Cardiology – Congenital Heart Disease section PRESS RELEASR - Congenital heart disease: continuity of care, from childhood to…
Congenital heart disease
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Health issues
Defunctioning stoma
What is a defunctioning stoma? A stoma is the connection of an internal organ to the skin.Sometimes, when the digestive or urinary system is damaged, blocked, or diseased, it may need to be diverted. The surgeon will divert the digestive or urinary system using a portion of intestine brought out onto the abdomen. A pouch (a bag) that will collect stool or urine is placed over the stoma.The stoma is created by a surgeon and can be:Temporary: it is put in place to allow an organ to heal, and is later closed.Permanent: it is permanent when natural continuity cannot be restored.The main types are:Colostomy (colon)Ileostomy (small intestine)Urostomy (urinary tract)A stoma is not a disease: it is a medical solution that helps preserve health, life and/or improve the patient’s quality of life.  What are the indications for a stoma? A stoma may be indicated in several medical situations.Digestive indicationsCancer of the colon, rectum or anusCrohn’s disease or ulcerative colitisIntestinal obstructionPerforation or severe intestinal complicationUrinary indicationsBladder cancerSevere urinary function disordersCongenital malformationsNeurological conditions affecting the bladderThe decision to create a stoma is made on a case-by-case basis, after medical discussion and patient information. How to care for a patient with a stoma at home? Returning home is an important step. With proper support, care becomes part of daily routine.Stoma careClean the skin around the stoma with waterDry thoroughly before applying a new deviceChange the pouch according to recommendations (generally every 1 to 3 days)Check that the appliance adheres properly to prevent leaksMonitoring the skin and the stomaThe skin around the stoma must remain healthyAny redness, pain or oozing must be reportedObserve the size and height of the stomaDiet and hydrationAdapted diet and hydration (depending on the type of stoma you have)In the case of a digestive stoma, certain foods may alter bowel movements: for example increase gas or odors (cabbage, onions, carbonated drinks)Remember to follow the advice given by the dietitian and your stoma care nurse during your surgeryPsychological supportLiving with a stoma can be emotionally difficult. Support from relatives and healthcare professionals is essential, and sometimes that of a psychologist. What to do in case of complications? Certain situations require special attention:Contact your stoma care nurse if:Itching under the pouchRepeated leaksPersistent skin irritation or wound around the stomaIf you have any doubt or question: one phone call is better than isolating yourself out of fear or concern.Seek medical attention quickly if:The stoma becomes black, purple or very painfulSignificant bleeding appearsAbdominal pain, fever, nauseaIf in doubt, do not stay alone: contact your home care team, the stoma care nurse or, if necessary, go to the emergency department. Your contact persons at H.U.B? At the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B), several professionals support patients with a stoma:Stoma care nurse: main contact for care, education and adaptation of equipmentFollow-up at Erasmus Hospital: 02 555 56 30Follow-up at Jules Bordet Institute: 02 541 03 02Specialist doctor (surgeon, gastroenterologist, urologist)Medical secretariatAt night or on weekends, if possible wait until the next day or Monday, contact your home nurse or your general practitioner, or go to the emergency department if needed. Resources and useful links about stomas FAQ – The 10 most frequently asked questions about stomas 1. Can you live normally with a stoma? Yes. After an adaptation period, most patients resume an active, social and professional life. 2. Is the stoma painful? The stoma itself is not painful. Pain may occur in case of irritation or complications. 3. Can you shower with a stoma? Yes, with the pouch. 4. Can you do sports with a stoma? Yes, most sports are possible, with certain precautions (support belt, avoid contact sports, no abdominal pressure). 5. Are there odors? Modern pouches are designed to be airtight and absorb odors. 6. How long does a stoma last? It depends on the condition: some are temporary, others permanent. 7. Can you travel with a stoma? Yes. It is recommended to bring sufficient supplies; contact your stoma care nurse to help you prepare and anticipate. 8. What to do in case of pouch leakage? Change the appliance, check the fit of the equipment and contact the stoma care nurse if the problem persists. 9. Should the diet be modified when you have a stoma? Sometimes. Certain foods may influence urine, bowel movements, gas or odors. A dietitian will inform you about specific recommendations. 10. Who to talk to in case of psychological difficulties? Your stoma care nurse, healthcare professionals, hospital psychologists.
Defunctioning stoma
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Dentistry-Orthodontics
Our role Dentistry treats pathologies of the tooth and periodonteum, the tissue that supports the teeth. Orthodontics is concerned with correcting the dental alignment and malocclusions. Image We are dedicated to preserving and promoting buccodental  health by focusing on problems caused by cavities and associated complications. This mission, at the intersection of aesthetics and functionality, is carried out in close cooperation with our colleagues from  stomatology,  ENT, paediatrics and others.  Dr Fairouz Ben Abdelouahed Director of the H.U.B. Interhospital Department of Dentistry and Orthodontics. Our specialities The H.U.B. Interhospital Department of Dentistry and Obstetrics includes several sub-disciplines and specialised consultations that form a synergistic complex:   General operative dentistry is concerned with primary and restorative interventions, covering the conservation and prosthetic aspects of treating cavities, scaling and annual buccodental health check-ups. Orthodontics proposes interceptive protocols, adapted for children and concentrated on the modulation of craniofacial bone growth, as well as conventional or “invisible” treatment for adolescents and adults.     Paediatric dentistry, which bridges the Erasmus Hospital and the HUDERF, proposes dental care for children, including those with specific needs (dental phobias, children with a handicap, etc.). The treatment can be given under conscious sedation or general anaesthetic.   The occlusodontics and orofacial pain consultation is concerned with disorders of the temporomaxillary articulation and pain of non-dental origin which may or may not be associated with headaches and/or sleeping disorders.Endodontics consists of canal treatment (devitalisation) and management of pathologies of the dental pulp.The consultation for cancer patients, in cooperation with doctors from the Jules Bordet Institute, proposes buccodental follow-up before, during and after certain cancer treatment. Prosthetic rehabilitation is engaged in the design, making and fitting of removable  dentures (dentures) or a prostheses  fixed  to a tooth or implant.  The  buccodental hygienists consultation aims to preserve and optimise buccodental health. The emphasis is on therapeutic education and preventive care. Parodontology treats diseases of the gums,  ligament and bone that support the teeth. It proposes surgical methods designed for an aesthetic result, tissue or bone regeneration and crown lengthening. Aesthetic dentistry  aims  to restore and embellish the smile through various interventions, such as dental whitening, the placing of dental facets or the building of bridges and crowns. The emergency consultation, without an appointment, is for the purposes of relieving acute pain (“toothache”) or chronic pain or treating a dental trauma caused by an accident, for example. Implantology : By using advanced surgical techniques and biomimetic materials, this permits the substitution of missing dental roots to provide a solid base for fixed or removable prostheses.   Our team Image Our medical specialists Research The H.U.B. Interhospital Department of Dentistry and Orthodontics initiates and conducts multidisciplinary research projects aimed at further integrating buccodental health in the general panorama of healthcare.  Teaching The H.U.B. Interhospital Department of Dentistry and Orthodontics provides and proposes: clinical training of dental science students ;training as part of complementary master’s programmes in general dentistry and orthodontics and  university diplomas in paediatric dentistry, endodontics and implantology; continuous training in various fields of specialisation. 
Dentisterie/Orthodontie - Erasme
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Dermatology
Our role Dermatology is the medico-surgical speciality concerned with diseases of the skin, the mucous membranes and integument (hair, nails, body hair). Image Image In addition to dermatological diseases as such, other diseases or certain treatment can also have an impact on skin health. This is why dermatologists often work closely together with other medical or surgical services Pr Véronique Del Marmol Head of the Interhospital Dermatology Department at the H.U.B. Our specialities The H.U.B’s Interhospital Dermatology Department is structured as follows: General dermatology is often the gateway to another specialised consultation.   Paediatric dermatology, which straddles the Erasmus Hospital and the HUDERF, treats all skin diseases in children.   Oncological dermatology, which straddles the Jules Bordet Institute and the Erasmus Hospital, treats all skins cancers (melanoma and others) and skin lymphomas, as well as  dermal toxicities linked to certain cancer treatments. Innovative methods of early diagnosis are also available.    Dermatological emergencies responds to acute and sudden problems. Examples: allergic reaction, zona disease, skin infection, acute diabetic foot, etc.    Chronic sore care (especially sores linked to diabetic foot) is carried out at the Erasmus Medical Center (EMC).  The Allergology Clinic treats  contact allergies, eczema, hives and certain occupational diseases that affect the skin. Its activities are  both diagnostic (patch test, prick test, etc.) and therapeutic. The reference centre for Verneuil’s disease (or hidradenitis suppurativa) is Belgium’s only centre  dedicated to this disease.  It is a part of a European Reference Network (ERN). ***mettre logo ERN + lien vers vidéo*** The skin, hair and hormones consultation is concerned with skin diseases that could have a hormonal origin. Examples: hirsutism, alopecia (hair loss), alopecia areata, stubborn acne, etc.   A dermatologist holds a consultation in gynaecology for diseases  affecting the  female genital mucosa. Examples: vaginal candidiasis, STIs, condyloma, etc.   The consultation dedicated to diseases of the  male genital mucosa. Examples: STIs, condyloma, etc. .  The psoriasis consultation (see dedicated sheet).  The immunity disorders consultation  follows up transplant patients or patients with an innate or acquired immunity disorder that results in skin fragility.   Joint consultations with other specialists are proposed for  Inflammatory diseases (such as psoriatic arthritis), with rheumatology; Auto-immune bullous and systemic diseases of the lupus type, with  internal medicine ; Dermatosurgery with plastic surgery; Dermatopaediatrics with paediatrics; Mucosal diseases with gynaecology. Aesthetic dermatology proposes laser treatment for rosacea and laser CO2 for  dermabrasion treatment.Please note: A supplement of 55 euros will be charged for non-invasive skin imaging (L-OCT). In the case of a complex consultation (multiple lesions, for example), a supplement of 75 euros will be charged. An additional charge of 100 euros will be made for mapping. Our team Image Our specialists Focus The H.U.B’s Interhosptial Dermatology Department is the reference and training centre for non-invasive imaging. By combining a confocal microscope and optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), it is possible, for example, to see in the epidermis with near-cell resolution. This permits a diagnosis of certain diseases without having to take a skin sample (biopsy).  Image Research The H.U.B’s Interhospital Dermatology Department carries out many clinical and translational research projects. In particular, it helps draw up disease registers   (Verneuil’s disease/ hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, skin cancers, etc.). This provides for a better understanding of their sub-types, their development and response to treatment.   
Dermatologie - Erasme